Contractor licenses in
Ohio
Ohio licenses some contractors and trades statewide. Cities and counties license others.
Official search run by Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), Ohio Department of Commerce at elicense4.com.ohio.gov
Which work needs a license
The state licenses electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing and hydronics work.
Small jobs
Not confirmed We haven't found an official small-job exemption.
What a licensed contractor had to show
- Exam
- Must pass the OCILB trade exam (commercial trade license).
- Bond
- Not confirmed
- Insurance
- Minimum $500,000 contractor liability insurance (commercial trade license).
- Experience
- Five years as a tradesperson in the trade, or a registered engineer with three years of construction business experience.
State licensing agency
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Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), Ohio Department of Commerce
Commercial electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and hydronics contractors
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
City and county licenses
Much of the licensing happens here. These are the largest local programs with an online search.
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City of Columbus
Building and Zoning Services. General, home improvement, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other contractor licenses
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City of Cleveland
Department of Building and Housing. Contractor registration for building and home rehab work
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City of Toledo
Division of Building Inspection. Home remodeling, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, refrigeration, fire, and sign contractors
Not listed? Call the building department for the city or county where the work is.